first post so best do introductions first:

Been on this site a few times and got some pretty decent reference material for fixing my girlfriends stilo (1.6 16V 52 reg), Decided to register as I'm complete out of ideas for my current problem.

The EPAS has finally given it up the other day, it had been going on and off for the last month (just pulled over, turn off and turn back on again and the fault disappeared).

I've had a good search of this forum and googled every concivable term that could bring up topics on this problem and I've exhausted all of them.

One of the main things i read is that the EPAS has its own management unit. If the charge on the alternator is not to the right levels the MU spits the dummy and warning light comes up.

I've also read to check the D4 connector.

I've just replaced the battery (just in case its pulling the alternator charge voltage down; being old) and checked the D4 connector. Battery voltage is 12.5V and D4 connector looks good, all pins nice a clean.

Fired her up and EPAS fault light still on, both when on and when engine running.

Check the charge voltage on the battery: 13.98V (call it 14V), so not exactly lacking!

disconnected the battery and left it for about 1/2 hour and reconnected. Fault light still on.

Given that the alternator voltage is charging the battery at 14V, from my experience I'd say that was a working alternator (unless theres a higher voltage tapping for the EPAS unit).

I'm seriuosly stumped on what else I can check without amditting defeat and forking out the stupidly overpriced fee for fitting a new EPAS unit. (£700 odd Iv'e seen!)

Any ideas?

Also: major Gripe: why the hell would you have an EPAS unit that just decides to cut out, without notification, when your driving along!! Least with a hydraulic PAS pump the trail/puddle of ATF gives the game away!

Have you checked the earth points on the car are all ok, no corrosion and securely fitted?

read the fault codes with Fiat Ecu Scan - they probably will give you a hint in what direction to search for the fault cause.....
You will need a connection of the K-line wire to the right pin of the OBD connector (you can check that on the FES site - i think pin 9 ?)

ok looks, like a cheap route to take.

so if i clear the fault code, will that trick the EPAS unit into working again, or is that wishful thinking?

Also what fault code will I be looking for if the EPAS unit has failed?

Girlfriend has gone to garage today, so will most likely give us the bad news, or possibly fix it.

i don't think just clearing the fault(s) will cure your problem but probably the code(s) will point you in the right direction.....
So write them down before you erase them!
Post your fault codes here, you will get some good advise from your fellow forum members...

ok, well I'll ask me girlfreind what code they find at the garage when she rings

watch this space

right, fault codes:

1. c1007 - PAS motor fault
2. c1013 - PAS control unit fault

Bloke at the garage reset the faults and me girlfriend reports the problem cured!



Steering is "light". Though how long it will be like this for is another matter.


offical FIAT replacement costs: £1250 exc. VAT - seriously how do you sleep at night! (3 valium and a bottle of vodka at those prices!) thats more than we bought the car for!



Garage can fit replacement unit for £125, so I'm gonna browse ebay and look in me local scrappies.


In the mean time, I guess keep resetting the codes using the ECU cable till a replacement can be found should keep me missus on the road.


thanks, and I'll update with progress in the future.

just checked your fault codes:
C1007 > engine defect
C1013 > EPS permanent fault
that doesn't look encouraging - you might consider having resoldered all power connection soldering joints on the circuit board of the steering ecu , you have nothing to lose...